_WorkZone team achieves First Carbon Neutral Building in Western Australia

RF CorVal in partnership with Knight Frank Facilities Management are passionate about sustainability and are continuously implementing energy efficiency initiatives above and beyond their clients' expectations.

Not satisfied with achieving the first 6-star energy office building in WA this year, the Knight Frank WorkZone team consisting of Janitha Kaushal, Grant Reid, Emma Gibb and Glen Bougourd set a goal to achieve a carbon neutral rating at neighbouring Workzone East, owned by RF CorVal Partners. In order to achieve their goal of a carbon neutral rating, it was imperative that Knight Frank partnered with the tenants in occupation.

WorkZone East was built in 2013 and designed as a 5 Green Star building. The building accommodates seven levels of office area, there is a roof level plant area and car parking provided within the basement for 83 cars.

The building is fully occupied with government tenancies, the key tenant being the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Through altering lighting schedules, introducing sensor lighting systems, upgrading to LED lighting, and implementing a control strategy for AC usage through the lifts and tenancies, the Facilities team are currently tracking at a 5.7-star NABERS Energy rating and a 4.6-star NABERS Water rating.

Perth Senior Facilities Manager, Grant Reid attended the DPIRD CitySwitch meeting to align their goals in working together towards a carbon neutral future.

Knight Frank and the owner RF Corval brought Cundall on board to prepare a sustainability roadmap and Photovoltaic (PV) Feasibility study and together with DPIRD they implemented strategies which resulted in the first WA Commercial building with a carbon neutral rating.

Supported by Con Tsioulos, Director of Commercial at RF Corval, they installed Electrical Vehicle charging points in the basement carpark and with the DPIRD, WorkZone East is recycling around 48% waste from the total waste generation in the building. They also recently introduced compost waste which they intend to use in the open garden area external building. Additionally, they are currently working with a plumbing contractor to upgrade the Gas Heavy Duty boilers with an Energy Efficient Heat pump system to the end of trip facilities. It will help to reduce the gas usage in the building and also further reduce their carbon footprint.

WorkZone East is now the first Commercial Building in Western Australia to achieve a Carbon Neutral Rating.

For more information, please contact:

Janitha Kaushal
WorkZone Facilities Manager
Janitha.kaushal@au.knightfrank.com